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Jamming mobile signals does the public more harm than good, says lawmaker
By DANESSA O. RIVERA, GMA News
(Updated 4:18 p.m.) A party-list representative has criticized the government for ordering telcos to turn off mobile coverage in conjunction with the papal visit, saying this is “deleterious to public safety” and “tramples on the people’s right to communicate with each other.”
As part of security measures for the Pope, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered telcos to turn off mobile network coverage at certain times that coincide with papal events in Metro Manila.
“Signal jamming may prove to be a grave inconvenience for mobile phone users, especially when emergencies arise,” Kabataan Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon said in a statement Saturday.
On Friday, subscribers of Sun and Smart complained of the lack of signal in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Telcos Sun, Globe and Smart argued that turning off cellular coverage was an NTC directive as part of security measures for the state and apostolic visit of Pope Francis.
Pope's security
The signal-jamming was widened to ensure the mobile networks won't be used to threaten the pope's security, said Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.
"Hindi naman buong Metro Manila ang orihinal na layunin... Ang tatanggalan lang sana ng signal ay 'yung area kung nasaan si Pope... Pero science and technology dictates us na kahit one bar lang na signal ay kayang mag-trigger," Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said on Friday.
Cell phones have been used to remotely trigger explosives.
Cell phones have been used to remotely trigger explosives.
However, Ridon said "signal-jamming will only lead to more harm than good," contrary to the government's goal.
“What if during the large gathering at Luneta this Sunday, for example, family members get separated? What if emergency situations arise? How will the people communicate with each other?
“Surely, the Filipino people wants the Pope to be safe during his visit here in the Philippines, and we understand if certain security precautions are put in place.
"Yet we believe that the government should not go to the extent of jamming mobile phone signals. Communication is an essential part of public safety. Cutting phone lines might truly bring more harm than good,” Ridon added.
Marnie Tonson, legal counsel of the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance (PIFA), said government over-reach on the public service of telcos "can and should be brought to court" because it was done during a time of peace, not during civil unrest or war.
"If it is a government order, not a request, then that is a direct government intervention in the private sector. Telcos are not government entities but are public utilities. Under the law, telcos are given franchises to perform a function 'for public convenience,' as are water companies, transport companies, etc.," he said in a separate statement.
"Thus, a government ordered shutdown puts squarely on the shoulders of government the responsibility to answer for intervention. A government 'request' puts a grey area in which the telco will have to answer for denial of service, under the specious argument that 'they could have denied the request'," he said.
"The general rule is that any massive use of technology is prohibited except in times of war. Nukes, warships, biological weapons-- these are controlled (or should be controlled) by a nation's department of defense precisely because they are the hammers of war. The problem with the cyber age is that communications tech has also become a hammer of war," Tonson added.
Telcos to refund subscribers?
The lack of mobile signal inconvenienced the public, but there is no decision yet whether telcos should refund customers, Globe Telecom Inc. senior vice president for corporate communication Yoly Crisanto said in a text message to GMA News Online on Saturday.
"We will inform our customers and update you should there be any developments on this," she added.
Officials of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), the parent of Smart Communications Inc. and Sun Celluar operator Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc., have yet to comment on the matter.
"We hope for your understanding. Should you have the same experience in the next few days, please be assured that we're working closely with the government for the safe visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines," it added. – With a report from Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/VS, GMA News
In a text advisory late Friday, Globe told subscribers the temporary shut down was in line with a government order.
"Hi You may have experienced temporary loss of mobile signal and internet connection earlier, especially in part of Pope Francis' itinerary. This was done for security reasons in compliance with the government's directive," it read.
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